Joel Feigenheimer Scholarship Endowment

About Joel Feigenheimer

Joel Feigenheimer, PhD (1957–2023) worked in the hospitality industry for 40 years. Joel spent his life working to improve the restaurant industry and the lives of his students and colleagues. A true connoisseur of food and wine culture, his knowledge and experience made an extraordinary impact on the restaurants he owned and managed. As an industry executive, brought instrumental performance, passion, and innovation to all that he pursued and accomplished during his time in the Hospitality arena.

Joel’s professional background in the hospitality industry included working with people as a manager, owner, and strategist of restaurants and related organizations for over 30 years. His skills in customer service and leadership, as well as his industry knowledge, allowed him to successfully navigate the restaurant industry in several different roles.

Joel graduated from the State University of New York Delhi in 1977 with his A.A.S. in Nutrition and Restaurant Management. His passion for hospitality continued after he earned his B.S. in Restaurant Management from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in 1979. Immediately following his graduation, he took a position as Assistant Manager at Houlihan’s Old Place. After quickly progressing through the managing ranks, Joel eventually opened a major location in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1981, he moved on to TGI Friday’s, Inc., transforming struggling locations into profitable ones and earning the company’s highest distinction, the Presidential Gold Star.

In 1983, Joel became the owner of The Cranberry Bog, an upscale establishment specializing in seafood and prime beef. Due to his experience as a restaurateur, The Cranberry Bog became a critical hit when it opened; his role in developing the menu and training the staff ensured a superior dining experience. Over time, Joel expanded the restaurant to encompass Bog Events, a catering service with the capacity to serve 4,000 people. The company brought its recipes and menus to perform white-glove catering occasions at country clubs and events such as the Professional Golfers’ Association’s charity Skins Game. After an 18-year career with the restaurant, Joel transitioned into purchasing for China Grill Management, where he acted as the principal purchaser for over 25 restaurants. After he joined the company in 2002, Joel developed the purchasing department, his efforts were responsible for almost $30 million of annual purchases.

While working full-time at China Grill Management, Joel taught as an adjunct at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, where he earned his MBA and then his PhD in Business. He also acted as an advisory board member of The American Fine Wine Competition and operated a successful consulting firm which focused on hospitality operations.  

Throughout his teaching career at FIU, Joel dedicated himself to mentoring, educating, and inspiring his students to see their value and apply their skills to the hospitality industry. Joel’s dedication to his students and colleagues influenced and impacted many at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. His impact on FIU will be felt for generations to come and lives on through this scholarship endowment established by Joel’s family members, friends and colleagues.